Shelby/Roush SR-71 Charity Mustang

UPDATE (7/30/2010): The winning bid for this one-of-a-kind Mustang was $375,000! The SR-71 Mustang was auctioned off yesterday during the EAA's AirVenture show.

For years, the SR-71 "Blackbird" has been a shining example of the partnership between Lockheed Martin and the United States Air Force. Now, Jack Roush and Carroll Shelby, two of the Mustang world's biggest names, are collaborating together to create the next SR-71... from a 2011 Mustang.

For the first time ever, these two Mustang giants have joined forces. Along with Ford Motor Company, they plan to design, engineer and produce the SR-71, a one-of-a-kind 2011 Mustang inspired by the SR-71 “Blackbird”, the famous long-range reconnaissance aircraft built by Lockheed Martin for the US Air Force.

The SR-71 Mustang (S for Shelby, R for Roush) is being built at the ROUSH facility in Livonia, Michigan, with the participation and input of all parties involved. As inspiration, the Lockheed Martin SR-71 took it’s first flight in 1964, the first year the Ford Mustang was produced. The SR-71 “Blackbird” holds all official airspeed and altitude records and is the most technically advanced and unique aircraft ever produced.

Between Carroll Shelby's history as a US Air Force flight instructor and Jack Roush's well-known P-51 Mustang piloting history, there is obvious reasons why these two were drawn to this project. The overall idea for the SR-71 Mustang, is to hand-build a highly valued vehicle that would excite both enthusiasts and collectors alike.

For the last three years, the Ford Motor Company has provided EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) with unique auction vehicles that have raised over one million dollars for EAA’s Young Eagles program. The Young Eagles Auction takes place each year at AirVenture, EAA’s annual air show and gathering. Ford Motor Company has been a proud supporter of EAA and Young Eagles for the past 15 years by providing various vehicles and donations each year to be raffled and auctioned off.

The SR-71 Mustang will be on display to generate enthusiasm and excitement for the 500,000 plus AirVenture attendees July, 26th through July 31st. The auction for the SR-71 Mustang will take place on Thursday, July 29th at 7:30 PM (Central Time) at the EAA Museum in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.